🖐 In this blog post we’ll share all law links and known rules about recreational and commercial drone use in Dominican Republic (Punta Cana). Give a 👍 at the end of this post if you enjoyed it & feel free to ask any questions or share your experience in our Dominican Drone Discussion Group. Keep in mind that the content below is updated to the best of our ability & does not replace official sources & your own research.
Recreational vs Commercial drone use in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic (Punta Cana) does not seem to differentiate commercial & recreational drone uses. However, both are subject to restrictions & a strict code of conduct. Additionally, depending on your drone's weight, different rules may apply.
✅ In the Dominican Republic, drone laws falls under the Dominican Republic’s Directorate General of Civil Aeronautics (IDAC) & they can be contacted anytime via:
Email: aeronautica.c@verizon.net.do
Phone: (+1) 809 221 7909
Can I bring my drone to the Dominican Republic?
✅ Currently, there doesn't seem to be any restrictions on bringing drones within the Dominican Republic as long as your import is considered as legitimate (generally one drone per person).
🚨 Be aware of the airline you purchase to travel as some main ones will only accept your drone on-board if its batteries are detached & placed in a firecase during travel time. Most airlines will have a battery voltage limit based on the recommendation of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). You can find more info about a specific airline here.
💡 Smart! Get your drone batteries' firecase today and make sure you're complying with aviation safety rules.
Where can I fly my drone in the Dominican Republic?
✅ We did not find an official fly zone map for drones in the Dominican Republic (Punta Cana) "If you have more information about this, please aware the community in the Dominican Drone Discussion Group". Thankfully, DJI fly safe has listed all flight zones in a convenient way.
The Dominican Republic (Punta Cana) drone fly map
🚨 You should not fly above or near military installations & strategic infrastructure. Fly away from airports & any aerodromes or airports in the country.
🦅 National parks & reserves are on a case by case permission & you might need to check directly with the local park or reserve authorities.
💡 Smart! Pack some spare drone batteries, you never know how close is the next power plug overseas. Also make sure you have a travel adaptor for Dominican.
Recreational & Commercial Drone use in the Dominican Republic
✅ Good things first, you do not need a permission or a license for flying your drone in the Dominican Republic (Punta Cana) as long as it weights less than 2 kg. However, there are strict rules depending on your drone's weight, your flight zones and a code of conduct to follow for all operators.
Additionally, you must fly:
during daytime & within sight at a maximum altitude of 121 m above the ground & 500 m away from you.
50 m away from private property, vehicles in movement, people or large crowds & respect individuals' privacy.
a drone weighting less than 25 kg (from 2 kg, you will need to register it), including all accessories except your drone's parachute if you have one.
with propellers made of 'flexible material' aka we understand no metal.
at least 8 km away from airports (any airport, seaplane base or area where aircraft or helicopter take off & land) & give way to all other type of aircraft.
at 160 km/h maximum 👌 (or 55 km/h max if your drone weights more than 2 kg)
away from areas where its use could interfere with police or first responders.
avoiding sensitive areas including government or military facilities.
within 80% of your battery's power or 60 mins maximum at a time (🤔)
without carrying or dropping any objects from your drone during its flight.
only one drone at the time & without being under the influence of any drugs or alcohol
How to get a permit to fly my drone in the Dominican Republic?
✅ If you want to fly a drone weighting more than 2 kg or outside all the rules defined above, you would need to register your drone. To complete this form, you will the following information handy:
a proof of ownership & your full personal details.
a declaration that you've read the Resolution No. 008-2015
the full characteristics of your drone including but not limited to; manufacturer's country, brand, model, serial number, type of motorization, maximum takeoff weight, equipment detail, autonomy, if it has a built-in parachute.
a photo of the drone (minimum size 10 x 15 cm in colors & format jpg)
if you're not the legal person requesting, a notarial certificate proving representation.
👌 If lost or in need of any further information, you can always ask DTAC@idac.gov.do, contact from which you will need to send your complete application once ready.
🕔 Allow at least 3 weeks to complete the registration process & give time to local authorities to answer you.
Once you've got everything in order, you can start flying above the Dominican Republic's awesome landscapes and create videos like this one:
✅ Please leave a comment when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone in the Dominican Republic! Have fun and safe flight! #republicadominica #dominica #regulation #rule #rules #law #laws #legislation #dominican #republic
💡 You're a local, have a question or want to share a travel experience? Head to our Dominican Drone Discussion Group
Disclaimer: Although great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information researched, we take no responsibility for any loss, harm or damage caused as a direct or indirect consequence of relying on this information. It is your responsibility to seek advice from qualified local & relevant authorities for needed information about local drone regulations.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links meaning we will get a commission if you decide to purchase via them. This has no costs for you but helps Dronemade stay free for all. If you need to buy anything on Amazon or DJI stores, think of us.
Sources
Register your drone online Resolution No. 008-2015 (regulation drone use in the Dominican Republic)
Other resource
DJI fly safe (drone fly map the Dominican Republic)